Tina Turner, the soul singer known for songs such as The Best and What’s Love Got to Do With It, has passed away at the age of 83.
Sir Mick Jagger described her as a “wonderful friend” and “extremely talented” performer, while Beyoncé described her as “the epitome of passion and power.”
Turner was lauded by Mariah Carey and Oprah Winfrey as a “survivor” who surmounted years of domestic violence.
The Obamas lauded her for “singing her truth through happiness and sorrow.”
They were joined by current US President Joe Biden, who praised Turner’s “once-in-a-generation talent” and noted that she began her existence as a farm girl.
The singer’s publicist announced her passing on Wednesday. She had been afflicted with several health problems in recent years, including a stroke and renal disease.
Her fierce performances earned her the title “Queen of Rock and Roll.”
She began her vocal career in the 1950s and rose to prominence with the Ike Turner Revue before re-emerging as a solo superstar in the 1980s.
Gloria Gaynor of the United States stated that Turner “paved the way for so many women in rock music, black and white”
She did what few would have attempted in her time and genre of music with dignity and success.
Diana Ross, a contemporary, was “saddened” and “shocked” by Turner’s demise, while Dionne Warwick remembered her as an “eternal ball of energy.”
Mick Jagger, who frequently collaborated with Tina Turner, wrote on Twitter, “I am so saddened by the demise of my dear friend Tina Turner”.
She was an exceptionally gifted performer and singer. She was charismatic, amusing, and generous. When I was young, she was a tremendous aid to me, and I will never forget her.”
Sir Elton John referred to Turner as a “total legend on record and stage”
He stated, “We have lost one of the most thrilling and electrifying performers in the world… She was invulnerable.”
Welsh icon Dame Shirley Bassey recalled that Turner “really gave it her all and was a phenomenal performer.”
Turner, a Tennessee native raised in the church, forced her way into rock ‘n’ roll in the 1960s.
After Ike Turner denied her an audition, she took a microphone from a drummer and performed during the intermission.
She sang with the band for the remainder of the evening and was soon given equal billing with Ike. She later wed her co-star.
In 1981, she told People magazine, “When Ike heard me, he said, ‘My God!'” “He couldn’t believe that voice was emanating from such a frail body.”
Many of their hits were covers, making them one of the most exciting soul groups.
Turner gave rock and roll standards like Proud Mary, Get Back, and Whole Lotta Love a raspy, forceful female perspective.
John Fogerty, the former lead singer of Creedence Clearwater Revival and songwriter of “Proud Mary,” tweeted: “Deeply saddened to learn of Tina Turner’s departure… I adored her rendition of “Proud Mary”! It was exceptional. I was also thrilled that she chose my tune for her breakthrough album.”
The star was left penniless following her divorce from Ike Turner in the 1970s, but she went on to achieve even greater success as a solo artist, with singles such as What’s Love Got To Do With It, Let’s Stay Together, The Best Steamy Windows, Private Dancer, and the James Bond theme GoldenEye.
Several tributes on Wednesday night mentioned her escape from her abusive spouse.
Women’s Aid was among those who quoted one of Turner’s songs, proclaiming, “She will always be the best.”
Oprah Winfrey praised Turner’s “courage” and stated, “Her life became a clarion call for triumph.”
Mariah Carey called Turner a “incredible performer” and a “survivor and an inspiration to women everywhere.”
Another younger artist influenced by Turner is Beyoncé, who remarked on her website, “My beloved queen. I adore you endlessly.
“I am so appreciative of your inspiration and the many ways in which you have paved the path. You embody tenacity and resiliency. You are the epitome of fervor and strength.
“We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and lovely spirit, which will endure eternally. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”
Turner’s performance with PP Arnold “changed my life” and saved her from an abusive adolescent marriage.
Janelle Monáe, Dolly Parton, Debbie Harry of Blondie, and Sir Tom Jones praised the late artist.
She won eight Grammys and was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
Singer’s remarks for Angela Bassett
Her life inspired the 1993 biopic What’s Love Got To Do With It.
Angela Bassett, who was nominated for an Oscar for her performance as Turner, remarked that the star “showed others who lived in fear what a beautiful future full of love, compassion, and freedom should look like.”
She added in an extensive statement to Deadline, “Her final words to me – for me – were, ‘You never imitated me. You instead dug deep into your psyche, discovered your inner Tina, and revealed her to the world.’
“I will carry these words with me for the remainder of my life. I count it a privilege to have known Tina Turner.”
Flowers were placed on Turner’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, and candles were lit outside her home in Küsnacht, near Zurich, by fans from around the globe.
Bouquets were left outside London’s Aldwych Theatre, where the musical Tina is based on the singer’s life.
Kristina Love, the show’s heroine, addressed the news onstage, recalling the time she met Turner, who made her “comfortable with the monumental task of portraying her.”
Turner was the “personification of resiliency and starting over,” according to Marlene.
Ernest Lawrence, a T-shirt vendor, said he intended to create a design featuring Turner, citing the musician’s “one of the most successful musical legacies of my lifetime”
He hailed the late actress a “great black female” and “positive image for any woman” who had “hard times” in her personal life.
